ELAM, William (Bill) H.

Lake Powell Chronicle, Page, Arizona Thursday, Feb 10th, 2011 The long, well-lived life of Bill Elam came to a peaceful close on Jan. 31, 2011. He was surrounded by family in his own home, “The Dry Farm,” just as he intended. William H. Elam was born on Jan. 31, 1920, in Neodesha, Kan. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and moved his family west after his discharge. Bill leaves many dear friends behind in the Page area … most of whom are pioneers, like himself. Bill and his gorgeous wife, Jeanette, moved to Page in 1958, upon completion of their plumbing and heating shop on Vista Ave. For five years, he and Jeanette traveled between their businesses in Rangely, Colo. and Page. Elam was the mechanical contractor for most all of the schools, hospitals, homes, and motels on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations from 1958 through his retirement in 1972. E & S Plumbing and Heating also contracted to build the Page Elementary Schools, the first hospital, motels, and the Cultural Arts Building. Elam was always very active in public service and held many political posts in Colorado. He served four terms as mayor in Rangley, and was instrumental in establishing the community college there, among other accomplishments. After moving to Arizona, he was asked to run for Chamber of Commerce President. He came out of retirement to run against Chuck Stoddard, and, as Chuck says, “he beat me.” Bill loved to fish and to GOLF. After he retired, he spent many happy days on the golf course with his friends. Of his many achievements, probably the “Hole in One” plaque hanging on the wall would be one of his most memorable. The “Dry Farm” was a dream-come-true for Bill and Jeanette. It was planned and built with loving care with the help of their artisan friends from Kansas. Their many friends enjoyed the famous “Dry Farm Barbecues,” the laughter and songs, the rare camaraderie, and the relaxing atmosphere over many years. Bill and Jeanette’s daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren were very much a part of the Dry Farm experience for many unforgettable family gatherings. Bill is survived by his daughters: Joann Lemmon (Dale) of Cortez, Colo. and Janice Kocjan (Gerry) of Page; his grandchildren Dane Kocjan and Summer Castro (Jared), of Page, Roxy (Johnny) Holaday, Christine (Eddy) Kaiser of Cortez, Renee Tripp of Colorado Springs, Robin (Steve) Semadeni of Salt Lake City, Shelly Berlemon of Yaphank, N.Y. He was blessed with 20 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jeanette. Her laughter still rings in our hearts. We are so happy that Dad is reunited with her. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.